Scalp Cooling

Many people consider hair loss the most feared and common side effect of chemotherapy. The emotional effect is considerable and can have a dramatic impact on self-esteem. The Paxman Scalp Cooling System® offers a treatment that can prevent hair loss caused by certain chemotherapy drugs. NorthShore’s Kellogg Cancer Center offers this treatment to patients going through chemotherapy. Scalp cooling is typically most effective for patients undergoing chemotherapy treatment for breast cancer.

What is Scalp Cooling?

Scalp cooling is a treatment that may prevent chemotherapy-induced alopecia. Chemotherapy works by attacking rapidly dividing cells in the body. Hair is the second fastest dividing cell in the body and this is the reason why many chemotherapy drugs cause hair loss.

How Does Scalp Cooling Work?

The damage that chemotherapy causes to hair can be alleviated by reducing the temperature of the scalp immediately before, during and after the administration of chemotherapy.

What to Expect

Tolerance of the cold feeling experienced while having scalp cooling varies widely from person to person. Patients often have an intense feeling of discomfort from the cold in the first ten to fifteen minutes.

How Long Does Scalp Cooling Take?

If you choose to have scalp cooling during chemotherapy, you will wear the Paxman Scalp Cooling Cap pre-infusion, during chemotherapy infusion and for about ninety minutes afterward.

Side effects:

Dizziness

Forehead pain

Cold related discomfort

Insurance information

This procedure is considered elective and therefore is not covered by your insurance.

For More Information

For more information about scalp cooling, please contact the Kellogg Cancer Center at 847.570.2112.

A cancer patient using the Paxman Scalp Cooling System® to prevent hair loss caused by chemotherapy.